The Casino Club was San Antonio's first social club and theater. It was started by twenty Germans who gathered for conversation and sociability in the home of Carl Hummel. It originated in 1854 and closed some 69 years later.

 In 1857 the club was chartered and had a membership of 106 men who were all German Texans.  In 1858 the club opened a building on Market Street.  Located on its west side was a bar with Skat tables and reading room, in the center a ballroom that could be converted into a theater with a stage and balcony, and on the east side a salon and lounge.  The casino was built on Market Street and formally opened in 1858. Families came for entertainment, music, activities, lectures, plays, and leading actors. The casino was supported and sponsored by stock companies. Such events as the Kinderball, the Maskenball and the New Year’s Eve Ball, were favorite seasonal celebrations. At the New Year’s Eve Ball, fathers introduced their daughters to society, which was the first "coming out" party.

Commissioned army officers who were stationed in San Antonio were honorary guests.  General’s Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant appear to have stayed in the Casino Building due to the guest list.  The club was open daily to its members and monthly entertainment was provided for the families.  The entertainment was usually a concert or an amateur play followed by a dance or hop.  Money was collected for the club from theater rentals.  Many well-known actors, stock companies, entertainers, and lecturers also used the club.  The casino club was sixty-nine years old when it was sold in 1923.  In 1946 the well-known club was turned exclusively into a men's club.  There were Casino clubs listed in the San Antonio telephone directory into the early 1960's. The club’s reputation as a social center was famous for its old German flavor and European traditions.

Today the Casino Building's multicolored cap may be seen from the RiverWalk. It is now condominiums. Read the plaque on the wall.

Bibliography: 
The Handbook of Texas Online: Casino Club